Not under any pressure for Asian Games, say Indian shuttlers

India's top shuttlers, including Saina Nehwal, on Saturday said their success at the Commonwealth Games would not put them under pressure to perform at upcoming

Written by Press Trust of India

Read Time: 3 mins

Hyderabad :

India's top shuttlers, including Saina Nehwal, on Saturday said their success at the Commonwealth Games would not put them under pressure to perform at upcoming Asian Games in China.

"We are all confident that we can do well. We are going to work very hard. I am sure we can do well," Saina, who won gold medal in the women's singles event, told reporters here.

Jwala Gutta, who along with Ashwini Ponappa won the women's doubles gold, said the good show in Delhi would actually add to their confidence.

"Winning before any big tournament is always good. It boosts your confidence. I am sure we will go with lot more enthusiasm. You can expect us to perform very well. I am confident that we will do well," Jwala said.

Kashyap, who won bronze in men's singles, also echoed the same sentiment.

The four shuttlers arrived in the city to a rousing reception from their family members, fans and well-wishers.

"I was not aware that our medal would make a difference to the medals tally. When Gopi sir (National Coach Pullela Gopichand) told me that, I was really happy.

"Overall, Commonwealth Games was lot of fun. Though, there was lot of drama before the event but once it started, it went off very well. I am very happy we won gold medal," Ponnappa said.

"I am very happy and overwhelmed with the welcome we got. Ashwani and me, I think both of us we are on top of the world right now. Because, we got a gold in such a big event," said Jwala.

Jwala thanked the Central Government for the support. "I am very proud to be part of the Indian contingent overall. We really worked hard, all of us, 14 days. We got one medal. I could probably say that our one medal is equivalent to 101 medals in the country. We enjoyed the stay, enjoyed the competition. I am sure we will bring laurels to the country in future," she said.

Describing her final against Malaysian shuttler Mew Choo Wong as an extremely tough match, Saina said she could pull off the win because of the terrific support from the audience.

"I am happy that Commonwealth Games was in India. It was special to play before the home crowd. They (spectators) were cheering us till the last. Gopi sir told me to be patient and do well. My father was tense but confident that I would win," she said.

Kashyap expressed happiness over winning the bronze medal and for being a part of the team that won the honours. He was, however, disappointed that he had to face teammate Chetan Anand in the bronze medal play-off.

"I am happy with my performance. This helps to do well in future. I thought that I could win the silver and Chetan could win the bronze. I was sad about it," he said.

All the players appreciated and thanked Gopichand and coach Bhaskar Babu for their guidance.